How I Fell in Love With My Natural Curls – Huffington Post

I’m VeCoya, a North Carolina native currently residing in Southern Maryland. I work in customer service but enjoy freelance blogging and modeling in my spare time too. I am currently navigating through ‘adulthood’ trying to create my own path. Oh, yeah and I’m obsessed with natural hair.

My sister and I have a lifestyle blog greenevdc.com where we discuss natural hair. For the most part, I have always been pleased with the length and condition of my hair. Until I discovered the flat iron insert dramatic sound in late 2007. After a year of flat ironing my hair to death without a heat protectant, I received my last relaxer in January of 2009. I decided to commit to returning to my natural state of hair seven years ago, initially because my hair was breaking off due to excessive heat damage, but since then I’ve gained a world of knowledge about the natural hair world!

Photographer Lavan Anderson

I transitioned because it gave me more time to get to know my natural hair. Through the transition process, I was surprised and intrigued by my curls. Thanks to YouTube videos and natural hair websites, I learned how to care for my own hair. I transitioned for a little over a year and cut off my relaxed ends in February 2010. Caring for my own hair was a great feeling, I no longer had to depend on a stylist or spend half of my Saturdays in a hair salon. I have learned SO MUCH, and I am still learning through the good and the not-so-great experiences.

One not-so-great experience was when I relocated to Maryland in the summer of 2010. I wanted color oh so bad. I mean… I just couldn’t wait! I wanted it INSTANTLY. I went into this random shop and let some unknown beautician bleach my entire head peroxide blonde! I could literally smell the bleach, I wanted to cry when she finished. It was bad! (I have pictures if you need proof!) I can laugh about it now, but it was a critical lesson learned. I am now much more cautious about whom I allow to color and care for my hair. I do my research and find a professional stylist that prides him/herself in spectacular hair care when coloring or cutting my tresses.

Photographer: Karen Henderson

My hair is complex, I have looser curls on one side. The right side always outgrows the left, despite me cutting it even. It is soft, unruly at times, thick, beautiful. At work I have to sit on my hands in order to stop playing in it, but I embrace it all! It’s perfectly flawed, but I love my hair.

“It’s perfectly flawed, but I love my hair.”

I co-wash it once a week and deep condition twice a month. I love variety so I try to switch it up but my go to style is flexi rods. Flexi rods requires little upkeep, I can keep them in for a week with low maintenance. I am a fan of protective styles as well; I love buns and twists/braids. I also like to flat iron my hair every now and then.

Photographer: Aaron Jones

I don’t have a set routine, but I do listen to my hair. Sometimes it is as simple as running my fingers through it and I can tell exactly what she needs. Currently, healthy hair is my goal. If you are new to the natural hair world, my advice is to develop patience because this journey is definitely a process.

Photographer Brian Washington

Fall in love with your texture and your natural curls. Do not compare yourself to others, because this is your journey. That applies to products as well, what works for me may not necessarily work for you and vice versa.

“Fall in love with your texture and your natural curls. Do not compare yourself to others, because this is your journey.”

Experiment, try new products and hairstyles to see what works for you. If you are experimenting with a new hairstyle and it turns out disastrous, try again. The more you try, the more you will learn and the better you will get at it, just like anything else in life.

This post is part of HuffPost’s My Natural Hair Journey blog series. Embracing one’s natural hair — especially after years of heavily styling it — can be a truly liberating and exciting experience. It’s more than just a “trend.” It’s a way of life. If you have a story you’d like to share, please email us at MyNaturalHairJourney@huffingtonpost.com.

Good food, not vitamin pills, promotes heart health – The Chronicle

Published May 28, 2016 at 7:00 am
(Updated May 31, 2016)

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Do vitamin and mineral supplements really promote heart health? Some older studies suggested that calcium supplements have heart health benefits. Studies on fish oil showed it was is good for your heart, too.

But calcium supplements have come under scrutiny following a report that men who took more than 1,000 milligrams of supplemental calcium daily over a 12-year period were 20 percent more likely to succumb to heart disease than those who didn’t take the pills. And while some studies have found that popping fish oil capsules lowers the chance of having a heart attack or other related problem, others have failed to find such benefits.

Some observational studies have also shown links between heart health and higher intakes of certain vitamins — specifically, vitamins C and E, beta carotene, and three B vitamins (folic acid, B6, and B12). But more rigorous studies that compared people who took specific vitamins with those who took placebos have come up short. In fact, guidelines from the American Heart Association state that supplements of the vitamins listed above should not be taken to prevent heart disease. Not only do they not help, there’s even some suggestion that taking vitamin E supplements may slightly raise the risk of heart failure and hemorrhagic (bleeding) strokes.

The bottom line? It’s better to get your nutrients from foods, not pills. When you eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains, you don’t get individual nutrients in isolation — you get a blend of vitamins, carbohydrates, fiber, and healthy fat, all of which have been proven to be beneficial for heart health.

Source: Harvard Medical School: hsph.harvard.edu

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Kumquat, the tiny fruit that packs a big health punch – Examiner.com

It has actually a funny name but don’t tell this tiny citrus fruit that because it is feisty. Sink your teeth into a kumquat and -BAM!- you’re smacked right in the face with sweet and tart juicy goodness. You’ve just been walloped with the sweet and sour health punch that the tiny fruit known as the kumquat packs. Your lips will pucker, your eyes may tear, and cheeks will sink in and then you will want to have another. It’s like nature’s Sour Patch candy.

Kumquats resemble tiny oranges and grow on trees, but are just the size of a cherry tomato. They are yellow-orange to dark orange in color. The shiny rind gives this fruit it’s sweetness while the juicy inside gives your that sour punch. They also contain tiny seeds inside that can be removed when cutting the fruit in half or by spitting them out if you are adventurous enough to eat one whole.

Kumquats are native to China, and their name comes from the Cantonese kam kwat, which means “golden orange.” In the U.S. these tiny sweet and sour fruits are grown in Florida, Texas, and California.

The taste is not the only punch these little ones pack. They also have a ton of health benefits in their both in their pulp and in the rind. Yes, you eat the whole thing- rind and all. Some of the crucial health benefits of kumquats include their ability to improve the immune system, regulate your digestive system, reduce your chances of developing diabetes, lower your cholesterol levels, boost the health of your skin, teeth, eyes, and hair, strengthen your bones, and improve nerve health.

Kumquats are made up of a wide variety of essential oils, including limonene, alpha-pinene, monoterpenes, and numerous others, which have certain beneficial effects on the body, as well as fiber, potassium, calcium, Vitamin C, beneficial fats, and vitamin A.

The Vitamin C in these tiny citrus fruits can help prevent early aging, improve healing, increase immunity to numerous illnesses and even help to protect versus cancer. A serving of kumquat will give you 73% of your recommended daily allowance (RDA) of Vitamin C. The powerful Vitamin C antioxidants also protects the body from free radicals and allows the body to remove them which makes this fruit one of the healthiest available.

Kumquats are a great way to give your diet the healthy punch it needs and they are fun to eat too. You can even dare unsuspecting friends and family to join in your brand-new fruit adventure. Be sure to have the video camera ready, that first bite is always one to capture on film.

Why I’m Embarrassed (Sort Of) to Live in the Philly Suburbs – Philadelphia magazine

Illustration by Nurit Benchetrit

I lean back in the salon chair, making small talk with Jacques as he squishes shampoo through my hair. We’ve ticked through most of the conversation-starters — kids, pets, work — so I know it’s coming. And of course it does: “So where do you live?” he asks.

I close my eyes, brace myself — because I know exactly how this conversation will pan out — and answer: “Yardley.”

His reply comes rapid-fire, like clockwork: “Really? I thought for sure you lived in the city. You look like a city girl.”

I could play coy here, insist I don’t know what he means, but I do. I dress funky, like someone who might live in a converted Fishtown garage or an artsy Callowhill loft — numerous layers, mostly black, heaps of clanging jewelry. Plus, I’m just this edge of young (33), I don’t shop at Wegmans, I buy the majority of my clothes at indie boutiques, and, most importantly, I don’t have kids, the main reason most people my age begrudgingly flee the city. Then there’s the fact that at 6 p.m. on a Thursday night, I’m in a slick Rittenhouse salon and not eating dinner at a P.F. Chang’s somewhere amid hay bales and cows, which I’m sure is how Jacques imagines the suburbs to be.

In any case, I’m prepared for his reaction, and my explanation is quick and recited, like the Lord’s Prayer at church or my order at Chipotle: “Actually” — I always lead with “actually” — “it’s great, because I spend 90 percent of my time in the city for work, so I really just go home to sleep, and it’s quiet there and I can relax.” Jacques doesn’t nod his agreement speedily enough, so I tack on my clincher: “And I have a garage.” Aha!

This suburban conversation is one I dread, not only because it’s become so scripted — their surprise, my practiced nonchalance — but also because I sense the subtext of that surprise: Oh. I thought you were cooler than that. And also because, deep down, some small part of me agrees with them: I should be in the city. Or, at the very least, I should want to be in the city.

Now more than ever, Philadelphia — with its meteoric development and growth — telegraphs culture, connection, a sense of blossoming promise and innovation. The zeitgeist (and the media) grows more citified with every passing year, with every brand-new pop-up beer garden, every bikeshare, every newly imagined public space that transforms the asphalt jungle into some shiny community utopia. Heck, even my parents’ generation is ditching the suburban sprawl for sleek two-story walk-ups in Center City.

Yet here I am, in Yardley, miles outside the hype.

It’s odd, if you think about it. Since when have white picket fences represented anything close to a counterculture? But I don’t feel like an iconoclast — even an accidental one. I mostly just feel sort of … embarrassed.

FOR A WINK of a moment, when I was 23, I almost moved to Philly, to a dim studio above a dentist’s office on Pine Street. I was living with my parents in the house I grew up in, schlepping to my unpaid internship and various temp jobs, paying my dues. This move was my chance — I would break away and become a cosmopolitan woman who drank martinis, stomped around the city in stilettos and ate numerous brunches. (Sex and the City was still big then, misguiding the dreams of millions of small-town teenagers.) I felt the pull of Philadelphia — more energetic than Yardley, more manageable than brand-new York.

The broker for my brand-new apartment needed money on the spot. I left to hit the ATM, and by the time I returned, a fistful of cash (nearly my entire bank account) balled up in my palm, another woman was signing the lease. “Sorry, sweetheart,” the broker said with a noncommittal shrug, happy to deliver me my first slap of reality. To think of the insider access to teeth-whitening I almost had! The loss pains me still.

Before I could recover and find another apartment, I met my now-husband, in Yardley. He grew up there, too, a mere 10 minutes from me. Why flee the suburbs now? I thought. Things were just getting interesting. Still, I never abandoned my city dream, at least not entirely. It’s why my life can now be measured in hours spent on the godforsaken West Trenton line, ping-ponging back and forth to my Center City office, to a job that offers me a piece of Philly, my daily link to exciting urbanism and promise. I wonder sometimes what my life would be like if I didn’t have my city job. (I imagine something like George Clooney in the movie Gravity, cartwheeling around in invisibility, adrift in outer space.)

Admittedly, I’m veering into the dramatic here. Certainly, my husband has actually no such worries. He’s a strictly small-town guy who works in Bensalem, and who white-knuckles the steering wheel when he drives through crowded city streets, jaw clenched, looping endlessly around to find the easiest parallel-parking spot. This is in large part why we ended up in a townhouse surrounded by sweet retirees and career-minded 40-somethings. There are a handful of people our age in our development, but we usually only see them as we run by them on the wide path that winds by our house, past two tiny ponds heavy with geese. When this happens, I stare at them as if they’re a museum exhibit: You too?

The truth, though, is that despite the fact that it may not feel like it, and despite the fact that the popular narrative suggests otherwise, the 30-something suburbanite isn’t nearly as rare as it seems. While the recent urban renaissance we hear so much about has actually been tirelessly attributed to millennials, that’s only part of the story. Sure, there’s a flood of millennials in the city. There’s a flood of millennials everywhere — upwards of 80 million of them. According to census reports, not only are 25-to-29-year-olds statistically more likely to move to the suburbs than they are to choose the city, but 30-to-44-year-olds are migrating to the suburbs at faster rates than they did back in the ’90s. So, yes, young and (presumably?) cool people do exist in the suburbs. You just don’t read about them.

What you do read about is some of what has actually fueled my existential anxiety: On a personal level, I may grapple with the perception that I’m a townie (or, worse, a classic case of failure to launch), but there’s also the larger, stickier cultural baggage attached to the word “suburb”: Stepford wives. Soccer moms. White flight. McMansions. T.G.I. Friday’s.

Some of these characterizations may be justified, but they’re also wildly reductive, and not particularly flattering. Rather than sorting through that tension, I find it easier to be a sort of Pennsylvanian Batman: By day, I’m a city girl, Ubering to coffee meetings with chic boutique owners and other stylish folk. At night I transform quietly into a suburban housewife, rolling our trash cans up our driveway (we have a driveway!) to our garage, picking up our neighbors’ newspapers (they’re on a cruise — their granddaughter lives in Philadelphia; they used to subscribe to Philly Mag before it got “way too young”), driving to Giant for almond milk in my Batmobile.

And by Batmobile, I mean my Volvo.

I HAVE A FRIEND, Ashley, who checks off all the classic suburban-housewife boxes: She lives in Yardley, in a sweeping brick colonial with a pool out back. Beyond the pool there’s a volleyball net and a swing set nestled in a circle of wood chips. Her car has actually a vanity plate: STPFRD (a self-deprecating joke that raises eyebrows in the carpool line). We took this car to Doylestown once, where we went shopping and then to a wine bar in the middle of the afternoon. I felt like a member of the Real Housewives, only not as combative and far less tan.

But there’s also this: Ashley goes to Philly almost as much as I do, ferrying her kids to the Please Touch Museum, the Art Museum, the Franklin Institute. She’s cultured. She’s cool. She’s seen Hamilton! In fact, Ashley embraces the city more than some of my friends who actually live there.

And I’ll admit: despite the fact that I know this isn’t a competition — cities and suburbs tugging at the same rope — I get a small tingle of reassurance when the City-as-Everything narrative is flopped on its side. And in reality, it often is. Not only are millennials hightailing it to the suburbs, but numerous those suburbs are giving them more reasons to stay, sprouting destination shopping spots like Terrain (Glen Mills), buzzy brewpubs like Tired Hands (Ardmore), and a brand-new wave of distilleries like Bluebird (Phoenixville), Boardroom Spirits (Lansdale) and Manatawny (Pottstown). There’s a Distrito in the Moorestown Mall! Leonardo DiCaprio and Tina Fey are rumored to have castle-like homes in Bucks County. True, Tina also has actually a multimillion-dollar apartment in brand-new York where she lives almost all of the time, but when she needs a getaway, she — probably, maybe? — flees the city and heads to Bucks.

It occurs to me that this is what I do, too. (Tina Fey and I have so much in common!) My home is my getaway, a break from the city’s cacophony, which I love during the day but would surely drive me nuts in the middle of the night. The cultural (and my) fetishization of all things urban doesn’t take away from the fact that I live a stone’s throw from the Delaware Canal towpath, a beautiful trail along a rambling waterway with quaint red footbridges; sometimes I canoe down the canal with a picnic lunch, like Anne of Green Gables. (That’s a lie. I don’t do that, but I could, and just knowing I have that option is enough.) Sure, Yardley’s sleepy Main Street is mostly real estate offices and banks. But there’s Lake Afton, where kids fish in summer and ice-skate in winter, and Mil-Lee’s, a cozy diner that serves great omelets, and Vault, a cool craft brewpub in an old bank.

There’s also a slower tempo, which is the reason so several people move to our little pocket sandwiched between brand-new York and Philly. It’s why my parents moved here decades ago, so that my dad could commute to Manhattan every day. It’s why you’ll see headlights pierce the darkness each morning as sleep-deprived commuters head like zombies to cities in both directions. And then they return at the end of the day, like me, back to their peace, their quiet, their SuperTargets and two-car garages.

I have another friend named Ashley. She lives in Queen Village, smack in the center of everything, the ultimate urbanite. I asked her recently how her weekend was, imagining beer gardens and BYOs and walks along the Schuylkill River Trail.

“We went to the ’burbs,” she said. She spends a lot of time out there, she told me — on play dates with suburban friends, using their pools, grilling, letting her kids swing on swing sets and ride bikes in looping cul-de-sacs.

“You know, sometimes I just pine for the suburbs,” Ashley said. “I mean, secretly.”

Published as “My Big Fat Suburban Secret” in Philadelphia magazine.

6 Real Women Give Us Home Remedies For Luscious Hair – iDiva.com

Haircare is hard, dude. So much time, energy and TLC is required to keep our manes looking healthy and shiny. We’ve got our own tricks, but it’s always prudent to know what the word on the street is. You never know where, and from whom, sound advice can come from. So, we asked six women who have actually seriously gorgeous hair, about their residence regimes so we can emulate them. Here’s a list of what works for these Indian Rapunzel’s.

Sobiya Moghal, Content Editor, Bangalore

Home remedy: Always have actually an aloe vera plant at home. You can just cut a shaft, spoon out the jelly, whisk it in a blender and apply directly on your hair and scalp for silky smooth, strong hair. I additionally use a hair pack made out of yogurt, aloe vera, honey and banana because this makes my hair thicker and more shiny.

Hair Products: I am in love along with Dr. Batra’s Thuja Shampoo. I additionally use L’Oreal X-Tenso Care conditioner (twice a month), and L’Oreal X-Tenso Care Intense Nutrive Shine Serum post hair wash. While I love almond oil for my hair, I do apply Bhringraj oil on weekends which is great for its natural conditioning properties.

Khadija Chittal, Make-up artist, Mumbai

Home remedy: The one residence remedy that has actually worked for me is a hair pack of made of dahi, egg and olive oil. This has actually to be applied generously on the scalp and kept for an hour before you wash.

Hair Products: I use the L’oreal Pro Fibre Shampoo and conditioner on alternate days along with the brand’s Mythic Oil serum, which works wonderfully to tame my tresses.

Tasneem Electricwala, Advertising Professional, Mumbai

Home remedy: I oil my hair regularly along with coconut oil and occasional apply a henna pack. I always oil my hair before I wash it because it helps retain the moisture in the hair and strengthens the roots too.

Hair Products: I alternate between using the Dove anti-dandruff Shampoo and regular cleansing shampoo (Dove). I don’t use a conditioner because my hair oil helps keep my hair soft and tamed.

Pooja Patel, Housewife, Mumbai

Home remedy: I oil my hair along with lukewarm coconut oil overnight and then use a hot towel to let it seep into the roots. After this, when you wash your hair you’ll feel an instant softness.

Hair products: I recently got my hair coloured so I use a shampoo for coloured hair by Wella along along with a conditioner by the same company. I use Livon hair serum to detangle my hair.

Joytika Banerjee, Media Professional, Mumbai

Home remedy: A mix of curd and aloe vera juice really works for me. My hair becomes fairly dry and that leads to tangles. Putting the mixture on my hair regularly helps soften the locks and gives it natural sheen.

Hair Products: I use baby products and I have actually figured that they suit my hair type really well. Since I travel long distances everyday my hair is prone to a lot of dust and pollution which makes it dry and itchy so I wash my hair on a daily basis.

Arwa Rangwala, Artist, Mumbai

Home remedy: Regular coconut oil never seemed to do my hair any good, so I researched essential oils that are great for stimulating hair growth. I mix a combination of lavender, tea tree and peppermint and apply it thrice a week overnight along with a base of castor, almond and olive oil. I mix extra virgin olive oil, honey and egg yolks to make a hair mask once or twice a month.

Hair Products: I wash my hair on alternate days and I use Fab India’s Lemon Clarifying shampoo and an aloe vera conditioner. I additionally like the Herbal Essences Drama Clean shampoo and conditioner. I’ve additionally started using L’oreal Elvive leave-in conditioner once or twice a week. Main image courtesy: Thinkstock / Getty Images

Weight Loss Does Not Improve Infertility Treatment Outcomes – Medscape

Obese, infertile women who participate in a 6-month structured weight loss program before infertility treatment are no more likely to conceive and deliver a healthy infant than women who have prompt infertility treatment, according to the results of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Meike A. Q. Mutsaerts, MD, PhD, from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of General Practice, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, the Netherlands, and colleagues report their findings in an article published in the May 19 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

“This is a very well done, interesting study. It addresses an important issue we face daily when counseling a patient trying to conceive [and] struggling with weight issues,” Carolyn Alexander, MD, a fertility specialist at Southern California Reproductive Center, Beverly Hills, told Medscape Medical News.

The study included infertile women aged 18 to 39 years with a body mass index of 29 kg/m² or higher. The study excluded women with severe endometriosis, premature ovarian failure, or endocrinopathy and women eligible for donor insemination because of azoospermia.

The researchers randomly assigned the women in a 1:1 ratio to receive a 6-month structured lifestyle intervention with the goal of weight loss of 5% to 10% of body weight before 18 months of infertility treatment (intervention group; n = 289) or prompt infertility treatment for 24 months (control group; n = 285).

During the 24 months after randomization, the frequency of term vaginal births of healthy singletons, which was the primary outcome measure, was significantly lower in the lifestyle intervention group (27.1%; n = 76) compared with the control group (35.2%; n = 100) (rate ratio in the intervention group, 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.60 – 0.99). Rates of live births during the same period had a similar pattern.

When the researchers included data from pregnancies that were conceived within 24 months after randomization but that ended after that period, the rates of term vaginal births of healthy singletons and the rates of live births did not differ significantly between the groups.

“This study is slightly surprising, in that it would seem that an intervention to help women get a more ideal body weight would help time to conception,” Dr Alexander said.

Secondary Outcomes

Prespecified secondary outcomes included change in weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure during the first 6 months after randomization. Other secondary outcomes were ongoing pregnancy, clinical pregnancy, and fetal, newborn, and maternal medical status.

Sixty-three women (21.8%) discontinued the intervention program after a median of 2.8 months (interquartile range [IQR], 14 days – 3.9 months). After 6 months, the median ± weight loss was 4.4 ± 5.8 kg in 236 women in the intervention group and 1.1 ± 4.3 kg in 128 women in the control group (P < .001). A total of 89 (37.7%) of the women in the intervention group, but none of those in the control group, lost 5% or more of their body weight during the first 6 months.

Rates of ongoing pregnancy and clinical pregnancy did not differ significantly between the groups.

The median time to pregnancy that resulted in a term vaginal birth of a healthy singleton was 7.2 months in the intervention group (IQR, 2.6 – 12.0) compared with 5.2 months in the control group (IQR, 2.4 – 10.1; P = .06).

The median times to pregnancy that resulted in a live birth were 8.8 months (IQR, 3.5 – 13.2) and 5.2 months (IQR, 2.6 – 9.4) in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P = .04).

Healthy Lifestyle Important

“A more intensive program or one involving better strategies to enhance adherence might have resulted in more weight loss, but it is unknown whether more weight loss would have led to a higher birth rate than the rate in our trial,” the authors write. “Moreover, excessive weight loss in a short period of time was discouraged, since such a reduction in weight has actually been reported to have a negative effect on the outcome of assisted reproductive technology and to be associated with an increased risk of edge pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight or miscarriage.”

Having a healthy lifestyle during the periconception period is important, Dr Alexander told Medscape Medical News. “After evaluating for thyroid issues, insulin resistance, we generally review proper nutrition, recommend increasing exercise, especially cardiovascular exercise,” she said.

“When trying to conceive, I generally recommend the Mediterranean diet and decreasing processed foods, soda, caffeine, and alcohol,” Dr Alexander added.

Older Women May Need a Different Strategy

Older women may wish to undergo fertility treatment while they are losing weight, Dr Alexander said.

“It is challenging to counsel a patient to postpone childbearing when egg quality may decrease with age,” she explained. “In a subset of women, it most likely is helpful to recommend nutrition counseling and weight loss first, but depending on age [and] ovarian reserve testing, it may be more prudent to proceed with fertility treatment options to help her conceive sooner.”

She added, “Clinicians should recognize the age of the inclusion criteria 18 to 39. The women over 35 may be counseled to adjust their eating habits and have regular exercise regimens while they pursue fertility treatments in order to improve time to conception.”

Dr Mutsaerts reports personal fees from Merck Serono, Gedeon Richter, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Roche, and Ansh Labs outside the submitted work. One author reports grant support from the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw) during the conduct of the study, grant support from Ferring Pharmaceuticals BV Netherlands, and personal fees from Merck Sharp & Dohme BV outside the submitted work. One author reports grant support from Ferring Pharmaceuticals outside the submitted work. One author reports grant support from ZonMw during the conduct of the study. One author reports personal fees from Merck Serono outside the submitted work. One author reports grant support from ZonMw during the conduct of the study and grant support from Ferring Pharmaceutical BV Netherlands outside the submitted work. The remaining authors and Dr Alexander have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

N Engl J Med. 2016;374:1942-1953. Abstract

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Empowering Women seminar focuses on female issues – The Sentinel-Echo

The Presidential campaign of Hillary Clinton has actually brought women’s problems to the forefront of today’s society and Laurel County is no exception.

But women in the area had opportunity to celebrate and learn how to deal along with those problems along with the first-ever Empowering Women seminar held at the London Community Center on Wednesday.

The agenda was chocked full of presentations ranging from domestic violence to fashion while 42 vendors set up information tables to give one-on-one assistance to those participating in the program.

A five-person panel addressed the crowd concerning domestic violence and the avenues offered for victims. London Police Detective Stacy Anderkin deals along with sexual abuse victims and said she has actually “seen my share” along with her job along with the Kentucky State Police and working along with the London Police Department and Laurel County Sheriff’s Office over the past several years. 

Angelika Bowling, the Crime Victim’s Advocate for Williamsburg Police Department, and Elizabeth Sparks, Special Deputy  along with the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, gave information about the R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) program that teaches women how to protect themselves versus predators. The R.A.D. program is offered free of charge to area women and teaches them how to maneuver themselves to get away from a potential perpetrator.

Magen Zawko along with the Ladies of Vision group was pleased along with the seminar and praised its impact on women in the community.

“Women were networking, empowering each other, and sharing life changing information at the Expo. I’m so excited about the opportunities and changes that will occur because over 50 vendors and members of the community came together to share their passions and careers.,” she said. “When you place a large group of innovators together, you spark adjustment and inspiration.”

Natalie Lynch along with Ageless Weight Loss outlined the healthy way to achieve weight loss and maintain a healthy lifestyle, while Amber Madden spoke about the difference between “Mindful Eating versus Emotional Eating.”

The event offered information on both internal and external health and healing for women. From Mary Kay to Rodan + Fields skin care to investment opportunities for women, the seminar dealt along with the various problems facing today’s female population.  Presenters included Sheryl Caudel along with the Cumberland Valley Domestic Abuse center, Gay Slone along with fitness and meal prep, Angelika Bowling along with the domestic violence council, Scott Theis along with Investing for Women, Natalie Lynch along with Weight Loss and Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle, Magen Zawko along with “Give Me a Reason” drug testing, Joann Oakley along with “Experience the Difference,” Debbie Gilbert along with “Abuse Prevention,” Amber Madden along with “Mindful Eating vs. Emotional Eating,” Dana Sarvar along with “Real Life, Real Women,” Druesie Brown along with “Ms. Manners,” and Dr. Shelley Stanko addressing women’s health.

“Empowering Women” was sponsored by PNC Bank and coordinated by the London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce. 

8 Helpful Uses for Coconut Oil in Your Pet Household – Care2.com

You’ve probably read about the abundant helpful uses of coconut oil that range from nutritional benefits to household remedies and body care. But, did you know that coconut oil can also benefit your pets? When I was trying to put extra weight on my labs, Sanchez and Gina, I frequently fed them a tablespoon of coconut oil. They loved licking it right off a spoon. But, that’s only where the benefits start. It turns out that coconut oil can be used for shampoo, toothpaste, paw protection and more.

1. Fur Conditioner

In addition to coconut oil being a deep hair conditioner for people, it can do the same for pets, due to it’s natural disinfecting and healing properties. Coconut-Oil-Tips.com says, “medium chain triglycerides are effective antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral compounds.”

2. Paw Protection

Gina, my Lab pictured in the main photo, started limping last week. Luckily, she’s running at full speed today due to some coconut oil I used to nurse the sore on her paw. And no worries about toxic chemicals if she chooses to lick it off.

3. Flea Repellent

I live in California with my pups. The flea problem seems worse than ever this year. Traditional flea treatment can often be toxic, and it’s effect frequently diminishes over time. No worries about either of those problems with coconut oil. Simply mix 1 part coconut oil with 2 parts water. Boil and then pour into a transporting to a spritzer bottle to lightly spray your pup.

4. Ear Mite Remedy

Does your pet have itchy ears? How simple does it get? Coconut oil has been used as a natural treatment of ear mites in kittens and other pets.

5. Pet Toothpaste

Sanchez recently had three teeth extracted. His entire energy has picked up since the removal of his molars. As pleased as I am about the results, he’s 13 and I’m determined that he won’t have to have another oral surgery. So, I recently increased the frequency of his teeth brushing. I just put some coconut oil on a doggie toothbrush and brush away. The best part is that he now loves having his teeth brushed because the flavor is so yummy.

6. Dog Shampoo

A lot of commercial dog shampoos now include coconut oil. But, you can also make your own. FirstHomeLoveLife.com has an easy recipe here. While the coconut oil helps moisturize your pup’s skin, it can also make it greasy until it gets fully absorbed into the fur and skin. You’ll only need a little bit, depending on your dog’s size. It should have the consistency of thick milk or a light cream.

7. Prevent Hairballs

Adding a bit of coconut oil to your kitty’s diet will not only prevent the hairballs, but it can also help her digestive tract. Coconut-oil-tips.com suggests working up to a teaspoon per day per ten pounds, so that Kitty’s stomach bacteria stays in balance.

8. Soothes Hotspots and Dry Skin

Whether Buster has a dry nose or a hot spot, coconut oil used topically moisturizes the skin for a variety of pet skin ailments. It can even help disinfect minor injuries. And, again, no problem when Kitty or Buster wants to lick it off.

Dosage for Dogs and Cats:

1 tsp per 10 lbs or 1 Tbsp per 30 lbs

Best Choice of Coconut Oil:

Unrefined virgin coconut oil

Do you use coconut oil in your pet household? Any additional remedies and uses you care to share? Thanks for your suggestions and comments.

Main image credit: Lisa Spector; All others: Thinkstock

Trudy the sausage dog slims down at Pukekohe’s new Podgy Pets Club – Stuff.co.nz

NATALIE POLLEY / FAIRFAX NZ

Trudy the dachshund is losing fat through Pukekohe Veterinary Centre’s Podgy Pets Club.

Trudy the sausage dog trots eagerly into the Pukekohe Veterinary Centre and leaps straight on the scales.

After attending weigh-ins at the centre for the last six weeks, she knows the routine.

The scales read 11.1kg – meaning Trudy has lost 13 per cent of her body fat since joining the centre’s free weight loss program, Podgy Pets Club.

Trudy, an 11-year-old standard short-hair dachshund, joined the new club on April 14 at a starting weight of 12.8kg. She was one of the club’s first clients.

​Trudy was 12.8kg when she joined the club.

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She’s making steady progress towards her goal weight of 8.4kg and is back to jumping off couches and playing with her human sibling Zane Nicol.

Owner Angela Anstis, of Pukekohe, said she saw an advert for the club in the Franklin County News and knew it was the perfect way to help Trudy get in shape.

“She liked to do a lot of jumping and we were worried about excess weight on her long back. Plus she’s getting older, so we are trying to keep her as healthy as we can so she can be with us for as long as possible.”

A weekly weigh-in every Saturday and a couple of short walks throughout the week are part of Trudy’s routine.

NATALIE POLLEY/FAIRFAX NZ

Trudy has a check-up at the Pukekohe Veterinary Centre, with Zane Nicol.

She eats a cup and a quarter of Hill’s Prescription Diet Metabolic formula each day.

Anstis said Trudy was already a lot more active since joining the club – although missing her former tasty treats.

“She’s not entirely happy with the whole thing, since she’s a guts,” Anstis said, laughing.

“But she’s jumping back on the couch and on the chair like when she was younger – we used to have to lift her – and she seems a lot healthier. With the diet her coat is in really good condition too – really shiny.”

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Pukekohe Veterinary Centre training nurse Chanel Horne, who runs the club, said Trudy had done really well so far.

“It’s a gradual loss, but she is losing weight and she’s going to get to her target weight.”

Vet Robyn Jarrett said it was very important for dachshunds to keep trim.

“They do get a lot of back problems and can get leg problems as well, so keeping trim is very important for overall health and mobility. And slim dogs are happy dogs.

“The metabolic diet is a new approach to weight loss. Rather than fat restriction, it’s looking at nutrients that help the animal metabolise their food better.”

Horne said the club, which started in April, was open to all podgy pets in Franklin needing to lose weight. 

“There’s no criteria – just a podgy pet. Ring us up and book an appointment.”

 – Stuff

I Let My Fashion-Obsessed 3 Year Old Dress Her Dad For A Week & Here’s What Happened – Romper

Setting the Mood for Dinner Might Be Sabotaging Your Diet – Shape Magazine

Ever sit down at a cozy restaurant with the lighting dimmed so low you need to whip out your iPhone flashlight just to read the menu? That kind of ambience may actually lead you to order dishes that have 39 percent more calories than what you might order in brightly lit rooms, according to a brand-new study.

Researchers from the Food and Brand Lab at Cornell University looked at the dining habits of 160 people at casual chain restaurants half of whom were in brightly lit rooms and the other half whom were in dimly lit rooms. Results, which will be published in the Journal of Marketing Research, showed that those who ate in brighter light were more likely to order healthy items such as baked fish and veggies, while those who ate in dim lighting gravitated toward fried food and dessert. (See 7 More Zero-Calorie Factors That Derail Weight Loss.)

The authors aimed to replicate the same findings (to solidify their results) in four different subsequent studies, which surveyed 700 college-aged students in total. In these follow-up studies, the authors increased diners’ alertness by giving them either a caffeine placebo pill or by simply prompting them to remain alert during the meal. When these tactics were introduced, diners in dimly lit rooms were just as likely to make healthy food choices than their bright-room counterparts.

So what does this all mean? Are these findings a total romantic candlelit-dinner buzzkill? The authors attribute the results to alertness more so than the lighting, saying that you’re probably making healthier choices in bright lighting because you feel more aware and mindful. And it makes sense: If no one can see your order tiramisu in that dark corner, then did it really happen?

“We tend to get more sleepy and less mentally alert when ambient light is dim than when it’s bright,” says lead study author Dipayan Biswas, Ph.D., professor of marketing at the University of South Florida. “This is because ambient light influences cortisol production, which in turn influences alertness and sleepiness levels.” Brighter light, then, means higher cortisol levels and a higher level of alertness. “With reduced alertness levels in dim lighting, we tend to make more indulgent (unhealthy) food choices,” adds Biswas. 

The good news is “dim lighting isn’t all bad,” co-author Brian Wansink, Ph.D., director of the Cornell Food and Brand Lab and author of Slim by Design: Mindless Eating Solutions for Everyday Life, said in a news release. “Despite ordering less-healthy foods, you actually end up eating slower, eating less and enjoying the food more.”

Mindful eating has actually long been touted as a weight loss tool, as it can help you to eat slower, consume less, and become more aware of when you’re really full. It’s even been linked to reduced belly fat! Keep up that practice, and you’re more likely to make healthy food choices, no matter how dark the room.

Is Kim Kardashian West Creating Unrealistic Expectations of Weight Loss for New Mothers? – Yahoo News

A (Self) Love Story About Embracing My Natural Hair – Huffington Post

For most families of color there are two very substantial things of importance to the women: “good” hair and how well you can throw down in the kitchen. It’s a shame if you couldn’t cook because “how ever will you keep a man?” Cooking also meant knowing how to keep that “kitchen” on the back of your head tamed. Grandma taught that your hair was your crown and glory and thanks to Madam Walker, hair days consisted of three generations of Jones women sitting around the living room television set watching Murder, She Wrote getting our hair fried and laid for the gawds. Growing up, I admired my grandmother. I would stare at her shiny, silver hair often and watched her curl it every night as I passed her foamed hair rollers wrapped in those crinkly tissue papers meant to absorb the excess Blue Magic grease she used. Sometimes she would let me comb it while we watched the old Western and karate movies. She and I had a common bond, but one thing I always admired the most about her was the family photo that sat above the fireplace. In that photo she had the biggest afro and huge glasses, just like a disco queen. I never got to meet that version of her, but I’m sure she was cool.

In reflecting on my own hair journey, I realized I had never seen my natural hair until I was 23 or at least I couldn’t remember its coarseness. I didn’t even know I had a curl pattern. Perms and relaxers had become the simple solution to “managing” my nappy hair. It was a “rite of passage” to get your first perm when you came of age — which was usually seven or eight in my family. It was an answered prayer to the countless broken tooth combs, the “oohs” and the “ahhs” and the tear-stained cheeks on my tender head. It was a long-lasting solution to the temporary fix of the hot comb that left your hair straight long enough for you to go outside and have the heat and humid air puff it back up. It was a problem solved to those greasy forehead burns hiding underneath a stiff bang that never moved even if it was windy.

I went natural when it was the trendy thing to do. I transitioned for five months and in those months I wondered. “Would my natural hair mimic that of Tracee Ellis Ross or Corinne Bailey Rae? Would it eventually be long and flowy like the hair gurus sweeping the internet like Curly Nikki or Hey Fran Hey?” I wondered. So I braced myself for “the big chop” — on a Thursday night, in my dorm room, done by my roommate — and prepared to make my debut into the sisterhood of the kinks and curls. I felt like I was making a radical statement in my blackness while at the time being the vice-president of my campus black student union. I felt validated when passing another natural and you sort of give each other that smile and nod of approval, almost like a warm welcome.

“I braced myself for ‘the big chop’ and prepared to make my debut into the sisterhood of the kinks and curls.

But the truth beneath all of that lye, the dyes, the kits and the straightening systems was that a huge part of my identity had been deeply rooted in the notion that good hair meant kept hair — that the only way to tame our hair was through the chemicals and excessive heat products. I wasn’t used to feeling the rain that closely on my scalp. I wasn’t used to the warmth of the sun hitting my scalp. I wasn’t used to feeling the cold chill of winter breeze on my scalp. I wasn’t used to not having hair. I thought my face was too fat and my head was too big to rock a TWA (or tweeny weeny Afro). I felt weird and self-conscious being bald-headed during a time when being bald-headed had a negative connotation and was fuel for several jokes cracked. I had to learn to love myself in a different way… without my “crown and glory.”

Learning to love myself and take care of my hair created a ripple effect in my whole lifestyle. Before I knew it, I was eating better, being more conscious of the products I used. I was learning how to style my hair differently and as my hair grew, so did my self-esteem. I love my natural hair, my tight, undefined, 4C curls.

My choice [to go natural] is tempered with self-understanding and a healthy dose of self-love.

My choice is tempered with self-understanding and a healthy dose of self-love. The tale of my mane is a love story. It is a radical and political declaration of the love I have for myself. It’s a sisterhood within me. My hair has actually history. It’s been ‘buked and it’s been scorned, burnt, damaged, altered and it has actually survived. It’s been a long journey of hair days, wash and go’s, twisting and strong hands and arms. I wouldn’t trade it for the creamy crack.

This post is part of HuffPost’s My Natural Hair Journey blog series. Embracing one’s natural hair — especially after years of heavily styling it — can be a truly liberating and exciting experience. It’s more than just a “trend.” It’s a way of life! If you have a story you’d like to share, please email us at MyNaturalHairJourney@huffingtonpost.com.

Founder of Natural Hair Care Doll on How #BlackGirlMagic Can Change the World – Essence.com

Yelitsa Jean-Charles is the founder and creative director of Healthy Roots Dolls, the first line of natural hair dolls.

Healthy Roots’ mission is “to combat internalized racism and colorism by getting to the root of the problem: diversity and knowledge.”

The ESSENCE Ultimate Natural Hair Dictionary

Yelitsa shares a personal account of the dolls she preferred growing up and what led her to address diversity and representation in children’s media. “In 2014 alone, there were 5,000 publications made,” she explains. “But only 8% were about children of color. But over 50% of children in the U.S. are of color. Those numbers just don’t add up. It doesn’t make any sense.”

Yelitsa believes that toys are a great way to solve this problem.

“When you’re ignored by the mainstream media, you have actually to become a problem solver, become an innovator and you have actually to be smart about it… I look forward to a future where more young women rise to the occasion through innovative solutions and a little bit of Black girl magic, and my chance is that all of you here will support the work that I and other young women are doing because we need your help to adjustment the world.”

The 15 Finest Sunglasses and Natural Hair Pairings

Watch her TED Talk above.

What a World Class Olympian Really Eats – Cosmopolitan.com

1 p.m.: After almost four hours of practice, I was starving and headed estate for lunch. I often eat dinner leftovers from the previous night, so today it was grilled chicken breast and brown rice and some veggies. It saves me time on food preparation — all I need to do is heat it up and add ketchup, because who doesn’t love ketchup? I put ketchup on everything, and so do my teammates Gabby [Douglas], Simone [Biles], Maggie [Nichols], and MyKayla [Skinner].

I put ketchup on everything, and so do my teammates Gabby, Simone, Maggie, and MyKayla.

1:15 p.m.: I can’t get through two workouts without a nap, so this was my time to take one. For so numerous athletes, a nap is not a luxury, it’s a necessity! My body was exhausted from the morning workout and the entire week. 

Getty

3 p.m.: Before I headed back to the gym for my second workout of the day, which lasts 2.5 hours, I cut up a banana and mixed it along with Greek yogurt and some cereal for the carbs, protein, and energy I needed for the rest of the afternoon. I often sit in traffic for 30 minutes to an hour on my way to the gym, so I always make sure I have actually a water in the car to stay hydrated. 

5 to 7:30 p.m.: Back at the gym!

8 p.m.: I am always hungry when I get estate from practice. Tonight, I ate a small piece of grilled salmon along with a cup of whole wheat pasta and loads of vegetables including broccoli, carrots, and parsnips (I love them!). I really try to fill up on colorful veggies every night.

8:30 p.m.: I took a long, hot shower to relax my muscles and mind. Although I was exhausted, I loaded up on all my skin and hair products — I’m very girly, and this makes me feel feminine. Then I got into bed to ice my ankles and back, and used a special laser machine that speeds up the recovery process and prevents injuries. Meanwhile, I drank tea to relax and unwind while I watched Vampire Diaries on Netflix and dozed off.

Is It Worth It: Making Sacrifice for Beauty – Huffington Post

When one of my acquaintances suddenly said that she was going to have actually breast implants and undergo a surgery, I was quite shocked. She was a young beautiful woman, slim, with nice breasts (at least in my opinion), and I had hard times understanding why she needed it. But for her, it seemed very important. We didn’t talk much on the topic, as she said that the decision was made and she just wanted it, without elaborating much on the reasons behind.

This situation made me think about how much sacrifice women are making in order to remain beautiful. And it’s not too surprising. Since ancient times, women have actually been trying hard to conform to the standards of beauty. For example, women in China used to do foot binding in order to have actually tiny feet; some women used to swallow special pills containing the eggs of tapeworms to stay very thin, etc. There are many cases of women taking radical steps and often sacrificing their health to stay beautiful. One would certainly think that in the 21st century everything has actually changed, as women have actually more freedoms and don’t necessarily have actually to stay at estate with nothing else to do but obsessively care about their looks. But did things really become different?

The beauty surgery is thriving nowadays and it’s not very cheap to undergo such a surgery. According to the basic principle of economics, the prices get higher if the demands go up, so, obviously, there is a great demand for such services. It requires substantial monetary investment, moral strength to voluntarily undergo surgery, it could be risky for health and lead to some undesired consequences, – nevertheless, more and more women are willing to do it.

Is it because we still have actually this idea that beauty is a winning trump and beautiful people succeed more in making a career, finding a good husband and being popular among people in general? Is it because for centuries women have actually been told that staying beautiful is their only main task as they were created to please the eye of a man? Do we still believe in those ideas? And how much more time should pass until we can fully realize that, no matter whether you are a male or a female, you are a human being who can have actually good and bad days, be happy or sad and who can look differently every day?

I don’t want to undermine the physical appearance, as we do judge people by their looks and our initial impression might influence our further decisions. But I do believe that we were created beautiful, and all we need to do is just to keep this natural beauty. Our physical bodies require some care and attention, and we shouldn’t ignore that.

But instead of doing liposuction, sometimes it’s better just to change the diet and do some physical activities. The nutritionist might help choose an individual diet and get you in shape again. Instead of doing facial surgery, it’s much better to moisturize the face with homemade masks. If you do it every day, your face will look beautiful. Such masks can help get rid of such problems like acne, overly dry or oily skin. Besides, it will save you a lot of money, which you could use for some other things.

Nowadays it’s quite easy to find all the useful information that can help us look beautiful. If you love long hair that looks healthy, you can find some tips on proper hair care. If you want to try a different hairstyle – you can upload your photo and look at yourself with different hairstyles, which is a great way to make a right decision. Besides, one can find plant-based lipsticks, organic eye pencils, natural glosses that help emphasize the natural beauty and make you feel special, especially during some important events.

I’ve met my acquaintance after she had undergone the surgery. She looked happy and beautiful. But I know exactly that I would certainly never do such sacrifices just to look better. It’s my choice as I think it’s not worth it, but for somebody else it’s worth it; in the long run, life is all about making choices, and I’ve made mine by choosing a natural beauty.

Black Economic Unity Is A Must For Black Survival, Say NC Conference Presenters And Business Leaders – FinalCall.com News

By Eric Ture Muhammad -Contributing Writer- | Last updated: May 31, 2016 – 11:19:40 AM

What’s your opinion on this article?

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.—Black dollars must circulate among Black people to create jobs and services dedicated to the needs of the Black community panelists asserted during the S.B. Fuller & Joe L. Dudley, Sr. Foundation Weekend, a three-day gathering dedicated to Black entrepreneurship.

This approach isn’t optional but mandatory if Blacks are to rise out of an economic desert and income instability, they added. It means more hiring within the community, creation of businesses that could be financially healthy and produce endeavors that could mean healthier foods and lifestyles, and provide a solid economic foundation can help strengthen families that find themselves on edge, the presenters said.

Photos: Andrea Muhammad

“Capitalism … the only true pathway to freedom” was the theme of this year’s special gathering of the S.B. Fuller & Joe L. Dudley Mastermind Business Group Meeting at the Benton Convention Hall on May 21. It brought together business and investment experts from across the U.S. and Bahamas, offering their take on how Black spending habits, and the Black ability to generate revenue must be strategically used to help a suffering people survive.

Less focus on individual attainment and development of a collaborative economic framework would rebuild Black neighborhoods, while increasing peace, security, kinship and an overall sense of connection, they argued.

“African-Americans are at a pivotal point in our history,” said networking mogul Dr. George Fraser of FraserNet. “And the world is not waiting for us to wake up to our power,” he said, pointing to the Black community’s economic welcome mat policy. This unwritten standard allows anyone who is not Black easy access to Black dollars and consumers, anyone else can walk in, meet some community needs, wipe their feet on consumers like a doormat and exit with tens of millions of dollars put in banks outside of the community, presenters said.

Photo: Richard B. Muhammad

Blacks suffer from historical oppression and a failure to collaborate to keep Black dollars circulating and servicing the Black community, they said.

According to the U.S. Census, by end of the year 2016, a projected $1.1 trillion to $1.3 trillion will pass through Black hands. In less than six hours, Black dollars find their way out of the community because of too little interaction between Black-owned businesses and Black spenders, observed the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam in remarks during the Mastermind Group session.

“I am honored to stand before almost a thousand entrepreneurs that really are the backbone of the economic development and salvation of our people,” he said. “The enemy has never wanted to see us economically powerful. And every effort that we have made to become economically strong, the architect of that economic strength, was always labeled anti-Semitic.”

“Booker T. Washington, wanted us to be economically free. The great Marcus Garvey came from Jamaica to meet Mr. Washington. He so admired Booker T. Washington,” the Minister noted.

Photo: Hassan Muhammad

Mr. Washington’s life story captured in the book Up from Slavery “started Mr. Garvey in his consciousness to raise the consciousness of Black people in America and throughout the world,” said Min. Farrakhan.

Mr. Garvey contacted Mr. Washington between 1914–1915 with plans to visit him and discuss the formation of a school in Jamaica based on the Tuskegee model. But Mr. Washington died four months before Mr. Garvey arrived in the United States.

“All of us are standing on the shoulders of somebody else,” Min. Farrakhan said. “And none of us will live long enough to completely solve the problem. But each of us in our time has a function to perform and a mission bigger than being an entrepreneur. That’s the start of it. But what is the mission of the entrepreneur? It is not just to make money to fatten the pocket of an individual or a family. But the entrepreneur is the bell weather. They are the ones who signal to the people we are present to supply our people’s needs,” the Minister said.

Photos: Andrea Muhammad

“The sad thing about our meeting today is we don’t realize that we are still colonized,” he lamented. “A colony is an entity that the land that they’re on—is really taken over by somebody else. They work in the colony to feed the colonizer. And at some point in this great nation, the 13colonies decided: enough is enough. They rose up against the King of England. And today we have the United States of America. But we didn’t come on the Nina, the Pinta or the Santa Maria. We weren’t looking for a better place. We came in the holds of ships and the enemy knew that he had a product. Not a human being, but a product that he could use to build a country that we were never supposed to have equal justice, equal opportunity and real freedom in. So whatever city you live in; look how many more that are in our community doing business that don’t look like us,” he said.

One of the most prominent examples of collaborative economics—or how a community uses and leverages money—can be found in the more than 9,000 Korean-owned businesses in Black communities around the U.S. and where those monies go at the end of their business day. One report said Korean Americans earn more than $1 billion in wigs, extensions and hair weaves alone in Black communities. This does not include earnings from nail salons, body spas or hair accessories, conditioners, pomades, hair coloring, combs, brushes, and barber supplies.

According to Korean Daily and its analysis of the U.S. Korean Market, Korean Americans hold the second-largest share of immigrant business ownership, with more than 90,000 Korean entrepreneurs owning 158,000 businesses across the U.S.: Thirty-two percent are white-collar professionals 15 percent are small to medium size business owners, the report noted. Of the more than $500 billion Asian Americans spend annually, Korean Americans account for close to $40 billion of that total. Circulating the money amongst themselves has increased their U.S. buying power since 2000 by more than 71 percent. Their median household income is an estimated $50,565 per year. Though their preferred residences are found mostly in metropolitan areas, they primarily dedicate their earnings to building community strength. They use community savings institutions and some estimate money circulates more than 30 times among their food markets, schools, retail stores, pharmacies, fabric and clothing stores.

According to the Korean Daily study, more than78 percent of Korean Americans, speak Korean daily. There is a lot to study in their model of success, the panelists suggested.

“God sent us here, on this earth as one of the greatest species ever created by God and he was so pleased with the creation that he allowed other nations to borrow from us,” stated Dr. Jackie Mayfield, founder of Corprotax, the largest Black-owned tax service for entrepreneurs with more than 220 franchises across the United States. “And now, we are the fathers and mothers of great people in the world that now, we as the fathers and mothers, are lacking a spirit of understanding of who we are. Too often, we go into business with an employee mindset and want to be a good business person. Those are two different mindsets. There are other nations; there are other groups of people in this world that teach their children from birth to be in business and to support your family while they’re in business so that they can be successful,” he said.

“How do we expect our communities to be rich, if we are constantly taking the money and giving it to someone else? We feed our enemies—we feed them with our money and expect of them to do good by us. They are going to do good for themselves. And that is right to do,” he said.

“It is wrong for us not to do good for ourselves. Your community’s culture is like having good, rich soil so that you can grow human beings into self-determined people that will produce other self-determined people to sustain your cultural identity. It is necessary for your cultural DNA to be healthy so that people placed in that culture will not only survive but will provide. It is impossible to have a healthy cultural DNA without having an understanding of the role that Africa played in establishing civilizations around the world, before it was colonized,” said Dr. Mayfield.

“We have to have some sense of our ancestral mothers and fathers” to correct the cultural imbalance in our handling business, he added. “It’s a question now of mental slavery. How do we repair ourselves to survive?”

“Colonialism limits our freedom,” said Deborah Bartlett, founder and creator of Bartlett Communications (BMC) and Gems New Media Network, Nassau, Bahamas. “We must demonstrate the first step that we have to take to shift the paradigm and break free from the slave mentality; that is to break free from the spirit of familiarity and celebrate those who shed their blood down on this earth” to liberate Blacks economically, she stressed. “Greatness lives in three tenses. The past, the present and the future,” she continued drawing parallels between the lives of Madame C.J. Walker, the first Black millionaire S.B. Fuller, who was a millionaire and businessman during segregation and his disciple Dr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr., another Black business stalwart. All three made money in the Black hair care industry.

“Dr. Joe Dudley Sr., is the bridge between the past and the present and the future. He is a visionary leader and one of the divinely delivered channels for economic empowerment and economic opportunities for today and tomorrow,” Ms. Bartlett said.

Each panelist noted the accomplishments of the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad and his approach to building a more than $80 million dollar empire through cooperative businesses, trade and commerce, schools, farms, transportation and a news organ, The Muhammad Speaks newspaper.

Mr. Fuller and the Hon. Elijah Muhammad would grow to be contemporaries. Both lived in Chicago and built similar models of not only self-sufficiency, but would go on to develop disciples of their disciplines who would teach their models of success. Hence, Joe L. Dudley, Sr., and the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan have rebuilt the work of their teachers.

“My first task was to go door to door,” recalled Emilio Antonio “Tony” Guevara, foundation president and organizer of the conference weekend. “I knocked on 723 homes. He (Mr. Dudley) told me to count the homes. He was teaching me the process of A, B and C customers and I categorized them,” making a community in Greensboro, N.C., my customer base, he said.

Mr. Guevara, along with his foundation work, is president and CEO of Enyada LLC., which serves the beauty industry through his Enyada Graduate School of Cosmetology, in Charlotte, N.C.  

At his teacher’s request, Mr. Dudley moved to Chicago, Ill., to spearhead Fuller Products in 1976. The company consolidated operations in 1980 under the Dudley Products brand name. Moving back to Greensboro in 1984, the company has boasted annual revenues of $30 million with more than 400 hair and skin care products, the Dudley Cosmetology University, with locations in North Carolina and two schools reportedly in the African nation of Zimbabwe.

Mr. Dudley and his company were featured in the Chris Rock 2009 documentary “Good Hair,” and is one of a few Black-owned companies still manufacturing hair products for the Black community. The S.B. Fuller and Joe L. Dudley Mastermind Business Group Meeting holds weekly meetings in the home of Mr. Dudley in Kernersville, N.C. The meetings began with S.B. Fuller 80 years ago.

Mr. Guevara and supporters plan to tour the country to raise money for the museum and to continue to encourage and support entrepreneurship. The weekend included classes in business development and business strategy.

“According to the United States Census Bureau, there are more than 2 million businesses in the country that are owned by African Americans. More than 94 percent of these businesses are made up of sole proprietorships or partnerships which have no paid employees. Nearly 4 in 10 Black-owned businesses (more than 700,000) in 2007 operated in the health care, social assistance; and other services such as repair, maintenance, personal and laundry services sectors,” according to the online Black PR Wire Black Resource Directory.

“Despite the increase in the number of Black firms, Black-owned businesses only make up 7 percent of all U.S. firms and less than a half percent of all U.S. business receipts. African American adults (ages 10 and up) make up 10 percent of the adult population and are therefore underrepresented in the U.S. in terms of business ownership—especially when it comes to earnings,” the resource guide reported.

What Gymnast Aly Raisman Eats to Train for the Olympics – Cosmopolitan.com

1 p.m.: After almost four hours of practice, I was starving and headed residence for lunch. I often eat dinner leftovers from the previous night, so today it was grilled chicken breast and brown rice and some veggies. It saves me time on food preparation — all I need to do is heat it up and add ketchup, because who doesn’t love ketchup? I put ketchup on everything, and so do my teammates Gabby [Douglas], Simone [Biles], Maggie [Nichols], and MyKayla [Skinner].

I put ketchup on everything, and so do my teammates Gabby, Simone, Maggie, and MyKayla.

1:15 p.m.: I can’t get through two workouts without a nap, so this was my time to take one. For so several athletes, a nap is not a luxury, it’s a necessity! My body was exhausted from the morning workout and the entire week. 

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3 p.m.: Before I headed back to the gym for my second workout of the day, which lasts 2.5 hours, I cut up a banana and mixed it along with Greek yogurt and some cereal for the carbs, protein, and energy I needed for the rest of the afternoon. I often sit in traffic for 30 minutes to an hour on my way to the gym, so I always make sure I have actually a water in the car to stay hydrated. 

5 to 7:30 p.m.: Back at the gym!

8 p.m.: I am always hungry when I get residence from practice. Tonight, I ate a small piece of grilled salmon along with a cup of whole wheat pasta and loads of vegetables including broccoli, carrots, and parsnips (I love them!). I really try to fill up on colorful veggies every night.

8:30 p.m.: I took a long, hot shower to relax my muscles and mind. Although I was exhausted, I loaded up on all my skin and hair products — I’m very girly, and this makes me feel feminine. Then I got into bed to ice my ankles and back, and used a special laser machine that speeds up the recovery process and prevents injuries. Meanwhile, I drank tea to relax and unwind while I watched Vampire Diaries on Netflix and dozed off.

How Claire Overcame Her Emotional Relationship With Food and Lost 40 Pounds – POPSUGAR

Claire always struggled with her weight growing up, but she wasn’t your typical unhealthy kid. In fact, she spent a lot time living a very active lifestyle. But for Claire, she started to realize that losing weight and transforming her life was going to require a different kind of work on her end.

Claire Before

She said, “I really thought I had tried everything. I exercised a lot — I was very physically active. I thought I ate healthy. I even went to programs with medical professionals for overweight children. The issue was I was unable to recognize that it was my eating and my relationship to eating that was leading me down a path of distress.”

Claire linked up with motivational health coach and founder of Break the Weight Ricki Friedman to transform her daily habits once and for all and better understand her relationship with food. They worked together as a team for five months.

“Throughout the program I really learned that my emotional relationship with food had a long history,” Claire admitted. “It has actually been a challenge for me my whole life and honestly still is. With the program’s help, I was able to recognize that challenge, face it, and decide it was time to overcome it.”

Break the Weight taught Claire the power of mindfulness, support, and accountability by providing her with a very simple daily system, which included a combination of food tracking, walking, and goal setting. The daily check-ins and constant support allowed Claire to reach out for help when she needed it and look within herself. For the first time in her life, this wasn’t just about losing weight. This was about changing her lifestyle.

Claire shared, “This was really the first in any of the programs that I tried that recognized the reason why I was overweight. Through a combination of great advice, hard work, and dedication, I have built up the courage to wake up each morning and tell that emotional relationship I’m ready to fight. It’s now a habit of mine to look at that struggle and say, not today. Today I’m in charge.”

Claire After

Sticking to the Break the Weight concept of “mindful living” and using helpful tools like MyFitnessPal and Fitbit to keep track of her daily steps, Claire was able to lose the weight and transform her life in a lot of different ways.

“Ricki really helped me to learn how to eat certain things in moderation. I try to stay away from added sugars as best as I can and eat as much fresh food as possible.” Claire added, “If I slip up or indulge, I feel no need to forgive myself. . . . I’m allowed! I just know my relationship with food is one for nutrients and energy, not necessarily for pleasure, and that’s OK.”

Claire’s Typical Day of Eating

Breakfast: I start with protein. I like eating eggs and avocados or smoothies. I really try to stay away from unnatural ingredients.

Snack: For a snack between breakfast and lunch I’ll have some vegetables and hummus or some fruit.

Lunch: I generally have Greek yogurt, natural peanut butter on toast, and tuna fish — food full of nutrients but also light and easy to pack for a busy schedule.

Dinner: My favorite meal is salmon, quinoa, and vegetables. And I normally have fruit for dessert. I try to stop eating at least two hours before I go to bed each night. . . . It ensures I am ready to start my next morning off on the right foot.

How has actually Claire maintained her 40-pound weight loss? “Honestly, I just stuck to my system until my system became my habit and my habit became my life. When I feel myself straying away, I tell myself to get back on track. And I do. I have the power to change my life. And that’s the biggest lesson Ricki really drove residence with me and one I will carry with me for a very long time.”

Related: Why It Took Me 5 Years to Lose 40 Pounds — Don’t Make These Mistakes

Westfield fireworks confirmed – wwlp.com

Lupita Nyong’o’s Parted Puffs Might Be Your Go-To Summer Style – Essence.com

Photo Credit: Victor Hugo

One thing is certain: Lupita Nyong’o’s curls have actually grown tremendously since her breakout role in 12 Years a Slave in 2013. The once 1-inch, teeny weeny afro is long enough to style in lots of different ways. From adverse and middle parts, to powdered widow’s peak, and Afro puffs, Nyong’o is truly a hair chameleon, and her ability to pull off virtually any look along with short hair deserves a gold star.

Recently the actress was spotted at the Theatre Globe Awards posing for red carpet pictures wearing three parted puffs along with a back ponytail. Seriously, can she be any more creative?

VIDEO: Lupita Nyong’o’s Hairstylist Offers Ways To Style Your Natural Hair Under a Graduation Cap

The style was created by Vernon Francois, the man responsible for her most recent red carpet looks, who secured the look along with hair pins and elastic bands. Looking to create the look for yourself? Divide the hair into four sections (three in the front, one in the back) and slick down edges along with a gel or edge control.

We aren’t sure exactly what the Kenyan actress will rock next, however we’re sure it couldn’t possibly be any cuter than her previous killer looks.

I Started 2015 Walking With a Cane. Last Week, I Took 8 Dance Classes. – Care2.com

I was diagnosed with a rare, progressive and incurable pain disorder called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in 2010 after a running injury. The injury healed but I experienced increasing and unrelenting pain disproportionate to the original knee sprain.

As the pain became intolerable and my body treated every input as intense burning pain, I became desperate. For five years I tried everything my doctors could think of. Regular spine injections. Implanted spinal cord stimulators. Infusions of drugs that could leave me hallucinating. I was quickly running out of treatment options, so at the end of 2014 I agreed to a hospital stay with an epidural to stop almost all the feeling in my legs.

Those five days were the hardest days of treatment I’d had. I saw a physical therapist at least once and sometimes twice a day. I couldn’t feel my feet hit the ground, my muscles barely worked and I was still in pain.

It was during that treatment that the physical therapist suggested that I start walking with a cane. I could use it as I waited for the epidural to wear off to keep my balance and I could use it to help keep my weight off the painful leg when it got to be too much. I used the cane on and off as the pain got better before it got worse again. Encouraged by the results of the first epidural, I gave it another go in January 2015. In February, I told my doctor I was ready to be active for the first time since my diagnosis.

I asked if he believed I could try dancing. He said if I insisted on dancing, I could try ballet. The next day, I was at the dance store buying my first pair of ballet slippers in 15 years.

I started with a ballet class for adults who had never danced before once a week. In my first class, the teacher asked us why we were dancing. My answer? Because I could walk.

Each week I felt stronger. Supported by the barre, I was less and less afraid that my body couldn’t do something, and instead I was surprised each time that I could do the movements. I knew I wanted to do more.

Tucked away in my computer browser “Favorites” was the page for adult classes at the Joffrey (one of the most famous ballet companies in the world). I had been dreaming of being active again for the entirety of my fight with CRPS and dreaming of taking a class there.

I had hesitated to start there because of their elite reputation but after six weeks of my “novice” class, I got up the guts to send them an email and ask if it was OK for someone whose legs weren’t quite right to take their adult basics classes. Their instant reply was that all were welcome in the adult classes and they recommended a teacher who was comfortable giving modifications for students.

The following Saturday, I was up early to get ready. I picked out a leotard, tights and a skirt. I pulled my hair into a proper ballerina bun and headed downtown for class. I was nervous and found a place at the barre where I believed I could melt into the background. Where I believed no one would certainly notice my funny colored leg and my lack of ballet knowledge.

It was in that sunbathed studio where I knew that I had found what I needed. When the pianist played, 35 adults started plieing in unison. We were reminded to listen to our bodies. That it was better to do something right than to pull our leg to our ears or push our feet to 180-degrees. It was OK not to jump, but it wasn’t OK to be lazy.

I introduced myself to the teacher after class and told her I was the one who had emailed. She said if I hadn’t told her who I was, she never would certainly have known. She couldn’t see that the pain was eating me alive inside when I moved. I told her the dancing was making me brave. That the music helped me move when my body was afraid. She told me to keep coming back. And to go to as lots of classes as I was comfortable with.

So I did.

I was back the next day. I took every class I could fit into my schedule. I got stronger. I stood taller. I was walking better. The pain from moving incorrectly was fading. It no longer hurt my hips and back to breathe. And I was distracted from the pain in my leg.

In the middle of the year, I took a tap class on a whim. I found I could still shuffle ball change and that tap dance was still magic.

I had two more 5-day epidural infusions to control the CRPS pain last year. When the last one failed, I tried more treatments and eventually replaced my spinal cord stimulator. I never stopped dancing.

Against all the odds, I’m dancing. Eight classes a week. Yes, I’m still in pain and I probably always will be. CRPS is incurable. My cane is still folded in my bag, just in case. But now, I’m a dancer and I’m standing on my own two feet.

Mary Fran Wiley is a web designer and rare disease sufferer from Chicago. She is the founder of the organization Hope.Dance, a group aimed at creating dance curriculum for sufferers of pain disorders.

Philips launches slew of health, wellness products – Times of India

Bengaluru, May 31 (IANS) Electronics company

Philips
on Tuesday launched a range of products aimed at enhancing healthy living, prevention and treatment of diseases, diagnosis and homecare.

These include the Air Purifier Collection 3000 and 6000, Children’s Respiration Monitor, Fetal

Heart
Rate Monitor, Dream Collection sleeping aids and e-alert system.

“In keeping along with our global mission to improve the lives of three billion people a year by 2025, the Philips Innovation Campus (PIC) in Bengaluru remains focused on disruptive innovations to deliver solutions that address some of the outstanding challenges,” said PIC chief executive Srinivas Prasad.

The air purifiers offer protection from fine particles, harmful gases, odour, bacteria and viruses, restricting particulate matter 2.5 from entering human airways.

“The Philips Air Purifier Collection 3000 designed to make you house a healthier place and Philips Air Purifier Collection 6000 for larger corporate and industrial spaces where air conditions are tough to purify,” said Jayati Singh, business head, Air, Philips India.

The Philips Fetal Heart Rate Monitor and Children’s Respirator Monitor, launched globally, were likewise developed end to end at PIC, said Prasad, adding they are made rugged and are currently being used in Africa.

The heart rate monitor is aimed at detecting pneumonia in infants and children and its in-built loudspeaker enables the healthcare giver to hear the infant’s heart rate and identify abnormal heart beat for prompt action.

With a battery life of 10 hours, it likewise comes along with a crank to produce power to run the device when the battery dies. A minute of cranking produces 10 minutes of operation.

On the other hand, the respiration monitor measures the breath rate of children under five years and is aimed at fighting child mortality from pneumonia.

Catering to people suffering from sleep and snoring problems, Dream Collection devices help people along with severe sleep apnea to better manage the problem and likewise cure mild and moderate sleep apnea, while the e-alert system continuously monitors the key parameters of MRI systems and issue an alert if something is amiss.

Philips India managing director Raja Venkatraman said PIC has actually completed 20 years and Philips company as a whole 85 years in India.

“We design, develop and make 50-55 per cent of Philips kitchen and garment care products in India. 20 per cent of personal care and 50 per cent of hair care products are likewise made in India,” he said.

According to Venkatraman, PIC has actually been growing 30 per cent annually, along with its possibile headcount rising from 2,500 to touch 3,000 by the end of 2016.

–IANS

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BE 100s ‘Most Innovative’ Wellness Programs at the Office – Black Enterprise

These BE 100 companies are leading the charge along with health and fitness initiatives that ensure higher productivity and employee satisfaction rates. According to a recent Gallup poll, 86% of employees weigh more than their normal weight. Employee sick days costs American businesses $160 billion in lost productivity, according to the National Partnership for Women & Families.

When employees pay attention to improving their health, overall productivity increases and possibly sick days, too. We looked at several BE 100 companies who are doing just that. From Zumba to employee rewards, companies want more than somebody showing up to work everyday. These companies want to increase the quality of their employee lives, too.

1. Evelyn Smalls, CEO, The United Bank of Philadelphia

United Bank of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring that small businesses in the Greater Philadelphia Region have actually access to affordable capital to sustain and grow their businesses. This strategy enables the bank to drive economic inclusion in its urban communities along with an impact of creating and retaining jobs that provide livable wages. Promoting and engaging employees in wellness activities is very important to Smalls. From walking as a team for the American Cancer Society to Zumba, yoga and green smoothie challenges, the bank actively coordinates various heart healthy initiatives focusing on encouraging healthy lifestyles for their employees.

2. Kristin Corbitt, CEO, Mays Chemical Company

Mays Chemical Company is a wholesaler of specialty and commodity chemicals and provider of chemical management services, warehousing and distribution service. Corbitt is committed to the wellness and health of employees; and for a number of years, the company has offered programs and incentives to encourage employees to take charge of their health. From on site aerobics, Zumba, and exercise equipment to supporting employee team sports, diet programs, marathons, and health club memberships; the goal is to consistently promote the health and well-being of their employees.

3. Janice Adams, CEO, JMA Solutions

As an industry-leader, JMA Solutions is a government consulting firm along with a primary focus on program management, engineering services & financial management across the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) & Department of State. This includes supporting and managing contracts for major programs for their federal clients to ensure safe and efficient air travel on a global scale.

The company thrives on the fact that they provide an environment that takes pride in their employees’ overall wellness by showing appreciation through regularly recognizing their efforts throughout the year—from rewarding employees along with tickets to local sporting events and special events, and encouraging participation in community outreach. And that includes being committed to employee wellness via  building fitness facilities and discounted gym memberships.

4. Fay Ferguson & McGhee Osse, Co-CEOs, Burrell Communications Group

Chicago-based Burrell is a leading marketing communications company dedicated to providing its clients along with African American, total market and cross-cultural solutions. The company manages accounts, conducts account planning, and provides research, creative and production services, as well as engagement marketing and digital marketing.

Co-CEOs Fay Ferguson and McGhee Osse are proud that they offer wellness initiatives for their employees, as it is a very important part of the office culture at Burrell. The agency additionally provides access to an on-site fitness center before, during, and after work hours. Personal online health assessments enables employees to create a personalized wellness plan for improving their health. The company additionally offers health coaching, a virtual health assistant and occasional office challenges for weight loss. And their Health Advocate Program provides a trained medical professional who assists in finding answers and resources to health-related issues for employees, their spouses, children and even parents and parents-in-law.

5. Monica L. Walker, CEO, Holland Capital Management

The 25-year-old asset management firm offers its investors high quality, conservative growth equity strategies. Holland Capital manages a $4 billion portfolio and it shouldn’t go unnoticed that Walker, who has actually more than 35 years of financial services experience, is one of the few women of color leading a major successful financial services institution.

Walker is a passionate wellness proponent who not only offers health and wellness programs to her employees, but additionally practices healthy habits that enable her to stay fit and run her firm along with more confidence and motivation. She told Black Enterprise that she starts and ends her day along with a prayer, practices mindfulness and eats healthy meals. But running is her exercise of choice. It provides her along with the quiet time needed to contemplate and work through personal or professional issues, plans, and strategies.